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series Reading Order

Donovan Creed Books in Order

16 Books
2009 – 2020 Published
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Reading order

Where to Start with Donovan Creed

For readers diving into the quirky, high-octane world of Donovan Creed, the best place to start is unquestionable: you should begin with the very first book, Lethal People. Unlike some procedural thriller series where the order matters little, John Locke’s books build an ongoing narrative around Creed’s domestic life, his relationship with Kathleen Gray, and his daughter Addie. Reading them out of order will spoil major character developments, shifts in alliance, and the recurring appearances of eccentric side characters like circus clowns, giants, and bizarre criminals.

Donovan Creed Books in Publication Order

Because the series follows a direct chronological timeline, the publication order is also the chronological order. Below is the complete 16-book reading order, based on official release records and author bibliography databases:

  1. Lethal People (2009): The series opener introduces Donovan Creed as he investigates a lethal arson case that pits him against mob boss Joe DeMeo. This book establishes the series' signature blend of dark humor and brutal action.
  2. Lethal Experiment (2009): Creed is faced with a strange moral experiment involving a contract, a massive cash payout, and a targeted murderer.
  3. Saving Rachel (2009): A high-stakes race against time to rescue a kidnapped woman, introducing deeper emotional elements to Creed's life.
  4. Now & Then (2010): Creed deals with the ongoing repercussions of his double life as a family man and a professional hitman.
  5. Wish List (2010): This installment sees Creed navigating a series of bizarre requests and deadly contracts.
  6. A Girl Like You (2011): A global thriller centering on a rare genetic condition that pulls Creed into international waters.
  7. Vegas Moon (2011): Taking the action to Las Vegas, Creed deals with high-rollers, mobsters, and deadly stakes under the neon lights.
  8. The Love You Crave (2011): A story focusing heavily on the emotional entanglements and occupational hazards of Creed's profession.
  9. Maybe (2011): A twist-heavy novel that challenges Creed's usual methods and tests his loyalties.
  10. Callie's Last Dance (2012): A pivotal book that focuses heavily on Callie Carpenter, setting up key elements that cross over into other John Locke books.
  11. Because We Can! (2013): Featuring fast-paced action and the typical eccentric banter fans expect from Locke.
  12. This Means War! (2014): Personal conflicts and professional assassination contracts collide in spectacular fashion.
  13. Boxed In! (2016): A direct crossover event that brings together the worlds of Donovan Creed and Locke's other popular protagonist, Dr. Gideon Box.
  14. The President's Daughter (2017): Creed gets entangled in a high-level political conspiracy involving international figures.
  15. The Day Miriam Lost Her Sh*t! (2019): Highlighting Miriam and a new host of bizarre, dangerous problems for Creed to clean up.
  16. A Woman Scorned (2020): The sixteenth novel, dealing with old vendettas, vengeance, and long-term consequences of Creed's past actions.

Understanding the John Locke Shared Universe

One of the most enjoyable aspects of John Locke’s thrillers is the shared literary universe. While Donovan Creed is the anchor, his world frequently intersects with Locke’s other series: the Dr. Gideon Box medical thrillers, the Dani Ripper Nashville detective series, and the historical Western series featuring Emmett Love. These are not just standalone easter eggs; characters like Callie Carpenter and Gideon Box play major roles in each other’s storylines. In particular, the crossover novel Boxed In! serves as both a Donovan Creed book and the fourth entry in the Dr. Gideon Box series, making it a must-read for fans of both characters.

What to Know Before You Start

Before jumping in, readers should prepare for a very specific tone. John Locke’s novels are short, fast-paced, and highly unconventional. They combine graphic, gritty thriller violence with absurd, almost cartoonish comedy. The protagonist himself is a morally grey anti-hero who is as likely to pull a prank as he is to execute a target. Additionally, the series holds a special place in publishing history: John Locke was the first self-published author to sell over 1 million eBooks on Amazon Kindle, cementing Donovan Creed as a trailblazer of the indie-author movement.

Frequently Asked

QCan the Donovan Creed books be read as standalones?

While each book features a distinct main plot, it is highly recommended to read them in order. Character relationships, backstories, and recurring jokes evolve continuously across the series.

QWhere does the Dr. Gideon Box crossover fit in?

The major crossover occurs in the book Boxed In! (2016), which brings Donovan Creed and Dr. Gideon Box together. It should be read after This Means War! and after the first three books of the Dr. Gideon Box series.

QWho is the main protagonist of the series?

The main protagonist is Donovan Creed, a former CIA assassin who operates as a freelance contract killer while attempting to maintain a semblance of a normal family life.

QIs the Donovan Creed series complete?

With 16 books published up to 2020 ending with A Woman Scorned, the primary narrative arc is well-established, though John Locke has been known to bring characters back in crossovers.

QWhat is the tone of the Donovan Creed books?

The books blend gritty thriller action with eccentric, dark comedy, featuring fast-paced dialogue, unconventional plots, and highly unusual side characters.